WUHAN, CHINA - OCTOBER 11: Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts in the Women s Singles Semifinal match against Jessica Pegula of the United States on day 8 of 2025 Wuhan Open at Optics Valley International Tennis Center on October 11, 2025 in Wuhan, Hubei Province of China. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxCHN Copyright: xVCGx 111596588864
WUHAN, CHINA - OCTOBER 11: Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts in the Women s Singles Semifinal match against Jessica Pegula of the United States on day 8 of 2025 Wuhan Open at Optics Valley International Tennis Center on October 11, 2025 in Wuhan, Hubei Province of China. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxCHN Copyright: xVCGx 111596588864
Aryna Sabalenka’s antics at the US Open final have been strongly criticized by former WTA star Chanda Rubin. After falling short to Elena Rybakina, the former world No. 1 smashed her racquet and made it all about herself.
At Arthur Ashe Stadium, Sabalenka lost 6-4, 5-7, 6-2. As a result, the Belarusian finished the season without a Grand Slam title. Rubin knew Sabalenka wanted to win badly, but still, according to her, the loss should’ve been handled much better.
"She is a great champion,” Rubin said. “But what she displayed after that loss was a bit bratty to me. And even before they shook hands, she was hitting her racket on the side of the bench; she went and sat with her team.”
Feature Australian Open, ex Tennis Spielerin Chanda Rubin USA sitzt auf der Medien Tribuene als TV Reporterin, Kommentatorin, Australian Open 2025, Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. *** Feature Australian Open, ex tennis player Chanda Rubin USA sits on the media tribune as TV reporter, commentator, Australian Open 2025, Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Copyright: xJuergenxHasenkopfx
Feature Australian Open, ex Tennis Spielerin Chanda Rubin USA sitzt auf der Medien Tribuene als TV Reporterin, Kommentatorin, Australian Open 2025, Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. *** Feature Australian Open, ex tennis player Chanda Rubin USA sits on the media tribune as TV reporter, commentator, Australian Open 2025, Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Copyright: xJuergenxHasenkopfx
On Sunday, Sabalenka showed up to win the US Open for a third consecutive year. However, after falling short, she was left extremely frustrated and lost all control.
After the final point, Sabalenka shook her opponent's hand, then smashed her racket repeatedly against the ground.
On top of that, the 28-year-old yelled expletives at a nearby camera operator who moved close to her before the trophy ceremony.
The former world No. 1’s actions have been under scrutiny. However, Rubin pointed out that she’ll deal with her emotions better with experience.
"And I think, at some point, that'll be where she improves and where she grows,” Rubin added, as reported by Tennishead's Callum Davies. “I mean, it's a process for all of us, and hopefully, she can get a handle on that."
Rybakina's moment was overshadowed by Sabalenka's antics, prompting the USTA to fine her $7,500.
Sabalenka made sure to express her feelings.
Sabalenka explains emotional outburst
After the final, Sabalenka vented her feelings rather than soaking them in.
“If I were to hold it inside, right now or on the court I wouldn't be able to say a word," Sabalenka said, per BBC's Paul Battison. "I would not really be nice over there. I wanted to let go of all that aggression and disappointment outside."
It was a disappointing night for the Belarusian, who finished the game with 35 unforced errors. Her 20-match winning streak at Flushing Meadows also came to an end.
For the first time since 2022, Sabalenka will end the year without winning a Grand Slam title, which made the defeat even worse.
Written by
Avishek Sarkar